What is the principal route of transmission for healthcare-acquired infections from staff to patients?

The principal route of transmission for healthcare-acquired infections from staff to patients is direct contact. This occurs when healthcare workers come into physical contact with patients or their bodily fluids, resulting in the transfer of pathogens. Direct contact can take many forms, such as touching, dressing wounds, or performing procedures, where hands or instruments may inadvertently harbor infectious agents. Effective hand hygiene and the use of personal protective equipment are critical in minimizing the risk of onward transmission, emphasizing the importance of awareness and training in infection control practices among healthcare personnel.

In contrast, while indirect contact, airborne, and vector-borne transmissions can also lead to healthcare-associated infections, they represent less common pathways in the context of staff-to-patient interactions. Indirect transmission involves contact with contaminated surfaces or instruments, which is less immediate than direct contact. Airborne transmission typically involves dissemination of infectious agents through the air over distances, while vector-borne transmission involves organisms such as insects transferring pathogens, which is not relevant to typical staff-patient interactions.